SkinPen® by Bellus Medical is the first microneedling device in the world cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), clinically shown to safely and effectively treat facial acne scars for ages 22 and up. With as few as three non-invasive and affordable
treatments spaced 30 days apart, you can improve your appearance and step out with confidence.
How SkinPen Microneedling Works
SkinPen creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing process while minimizing cellular damage. The result: effective remodeling of scar tissue, while keeping the overall structure of the skin intact.
What skin issues does SkinPen microneedling improve?
At
Laser & Mohs Dermatology of New York, we use microneedling on all skin tones and it doesn’t cause hyperpigmentation. It can be used anywhere on the body, but the face, neck, and décolletage are the typical targets.
Here are skin conditions we treat with microneedling:
- Acne scars
- Large pores
- Fine lines
- Uneven texture
- Stretch marks
What Are the Advantages of SkinPen Microneedling?
SkinPen is clinically shown to reduce the appearance of acne scars. In fact, 90% of subjects in the clinical trial would recommend the treatment to friends and family. It’s a minimally invasive procedure performed in-office with little downtime. As the first FDA-cleared microneedling device, SkinPen sets the industry standard for safety. The SkinPen has also been FDA-Approved to target wrinkles on the neck. For more information on this exciting updated,
view the full article here.
Am I a Candidate for SkinPen Microneedling in NYC?
Unlike most alternatives, SkinPen microneedling has been clinically shown to be effective for women and men with skin ranging from light to very dark. Likewise, SkinPen’s mechanical process is less abrasive than harsh chemical peels. In addition, when you properly space treatments that are overseen by a physician, the procedures can be administered year-round.
How is microneedling done?
For your microneedling session, we start by cleaning your skin across the treatment areas. Topical anesthetic is then applied to numb your skin. This needs some time to take effect. When your skin is numb, the SkinPen is moved across the treatment areas. It has nine microneedles that rise and fall, puncturing the skin hundreds of times. We can adjust the depth of the needle penetration up to 2mm depending on the specific issues we’re addressing with your skin. Overlapping passes will be made over the treatment areas. When your microneedling is finished, we apply soothing serums or creams to finish the procedure.
How long does a microneedling treatment take?
The actual microneedling with the SkinPen takes just 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how many areas we are treating. But when considering your total appointment time, you need to allow another 30 to 45 minutes for your topical numbing cream to take effect.
What do I need to do to prepare for my microneedling session?
You want your skin to be calm heading into your session at Laser & Mohs Dermatology. You should limit any exfoliation products and any other skin products that are on the harsh side. Take a break from moisturizers with alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids for 5-7 days prior to your microneedling session.
When will I see results after the SkinPen microneedling treatment?
These results are driven by the body’s wound-healing mechanisms, so your results aren’t immediate. As your skin initially heals and the redness passes, you’ll notice an immediate “glow,” but microneedling is really a progression of results. This is because your collagen and elastin production ramps up and continues. Visible changes with the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Your results can continue to improve for up to six months.
How many SkinPen sessions will I need?
Some of our
patients opt to have a single microneedling treatment every year to achieve the results they seek. Most patients like the continued boost in collagen production and the look of their skin. They have from 4-6 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. For patients with deep wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks, or acne scars, 6-8 sessions will likely be recommended spaced at six-week intervals.
What To Expect Post-Treatment
The skin will appear slightly pink to red immediately post-procedure, similar to a mild to moderate sunburn. Additionally, the most common side effects felt in the treatment area include:
- Dryness
- Rough skin
- Tightness
- Redness
- Itching
- Peeling
- Tenderness
- Burning
These conditions resolved over time without any further complications.
How do I care for my skin after my microneedling treatment?
Due to the microscopic wounds created in your skin, you don’t return to your normal skincare routine immediately. We will discuss this with you. After your session, your skin will look as if you have a mild to moderate sunburn. It will feel warm and somewhat tight. These sensations pass in a day or two. Hyaluronic acid is an ideal ingredient for hydration and to help calm your skin. You should only use gentle cleansers and warm water on your face for three days after your microneedling session. No scrubbing with Clarisonic or exfoliating for one week.
Don’t use makeup for 24 hours, if possible. Protect your skin against sun exposure for 1-2 weeks. Don’t use swimming pools or hot tubs for three days.
How long will my results last from SkinPen microneedling?
How long your results will last is variable between patients. As a result of the microneedling micro injuries, your body will have produced new collagen and elastin and that isn’t going anywhere. Still, your collagen production does continue to decline with age. That’s why we recommend 4 to 6 SkinPen microneedling sessions over the course of the year. This keeps your skin constantly renewing itself. Sessions need to be spaced at least six weeks apart.
Are SkinPen microneedling treatments painful?
You’d think that creating hundreds of micro punctures across your facial skin would hurt like crazy, but that’s not the case. But we apply topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable during the microneedling. You can feel something, but it isn’t pain. Patients equate the feeling of SkinPen microneedling as similar to light sandpaper being moved across the skin.
Is SkinPen Safe?
Yes, by design. SkinPen’s patent-pending – and single-use – sterile needle cartridge is built with safety in mind. SkinPen is also surrounded by a proprietary BioSheath that acts as a barrier to prevent cross-contamination between procedures.2 Safety measures like these are part of the reason SkinPen is the first microneedling device cleared by the FDA.